The illness can evolve to severe dengue, characterised by potentially deadly complications, such as internal haemorrhaging, intense and continuous abdominal pain, or tenderness and persistent vomiting. In some cases, dengue may be severe and can cause death, which has recently occurred in Jamaica.

Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases threaten health, tourism, social and economic development, and a collaborative effort is normally required to reduce the spread of disease within a society.

Dengue remains a global health problem and like Zika and Chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito vector, which spreads dengue, is said to be present in all Caribbean territories.

The measures used to control the spread of dengue are the same as those for Zika and Chikungunya, as these diseases are also transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

With the arrival of the rainy season within a few months, mosquito control and awareness activities will need to be intensified. Caribbean ministries of health have been advised to increase health promotion messages to prevent mosquitos biting and breeding; combine efforts with communities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites; intensify vector surveillance and control; and disseminate appropriate clinical care and treatment guidelines.

CARPHA said the most effective way to avoid becoming ill from viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites.